
There’s nothing like a tall, cool glass of water when you’re hot and thirsty (despite this week's cold, you will be hot again). But, do you know where your drinking water comes from? If you live in the Miami Valley, chances are your water comes from the buried valley aquifer. When it comes to water, our region’s buried valley aquifer is truly world class.
The buried valley aquifer:
- Is the sole source of drinking waterfor 2.3 million people in our region.
- Has water that typically is much cleanerthan water in local rivers and streams because the sand and gravel in the aquifer act as a natural filter, removing contaminants.
- Can yield as much as 3,000 gallonsof water per minute in some wells.
- Provides water for:
- Industry, including the production of beer, pharmaceuticals and steel among other products.
- Food production.
- Crop irrigation.
- Geothermal energy.
- Sand and gravel aggregate for construction.
- Consists of sand and gravel material deposited by rivers draining melting glaciers that disappeared from our region about 18,000 years ago.
Plentiful but vulnerable
Some of the reasons the buried valley aquifer is a good source of drinking water also make it vulnerable to contamination. Once an aquifer becomes polluted, it’s very difficult and expensive to clean up.
- Because the aquifer is so porous, chemicals that are applied or spilled on the land can seep into the groundwater.
- The water in rivers and streams helps recharge the aquifer at times, but can also provide a way for contamination to interact with groundwater.
Help protect our water
Here are a few suggestions from the Groundwater Foundation how you can help protect our region’s aquifer:
- Reduce Chemical Use
Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard. Dispose of them properly. Don't pour them on the ground or down the storm drain.
- Manage Waste
Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites. Contact your local solid waste district to find one near you.
- Use Natural Alternatives
Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products, are inexpensive, and aquifer-friendly.

Posted in:
Aquifer on January 4th, 2018